A record number of entries has been received at the 2002 Scottish Press Awards.

Overall entries are up by 11 per cent to 362, thanks to new categories attracting extra interest, with international and Scottish political stories dominating the entries.

The new categories Campaign of the Year and Front Page have both contributed to the increase with more than 20 submissions.

The 362 entries across 17 categories number the highest in the history of the awards. The political changes in Scotland and the tragedy of September 11, feature prominently in the submissions.

The Reporter of the Year and Financial Business Writer of the Year, both sponsored by Standard Life received 63 entries. The Sports Journalist category, sponsored by Bank of Scotland, saw an increase of 20 per cent from 26 in 2001 up to 33 this year.

Feature Writer of the Year, sponsored by Shell, was the highest entered category, 59 journalists submitted their work. The Political Writer category sponsored by BAA Scottish Airports, and Campaign of the Year, sponsored by Virgin Trains, attracted 14 entries each.

Other popular categories included Columnist with 42 entries, Arts and Entertainment, with 36 and Young Journalist – 27.

There are two stages of judging. A 19-member jury chaired by former Times editor Charles Wilson will read and evaluate the work during the next seven weeks. Nominations will be announced after the final judging on April 30.

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony, which will take place on the May 22 at the Holiday Inn, Glasgow.

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